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15 Best Chicken Breeds That Lay Brown Eggs (2023)
Are you interested in raising chickens and producing eggs in your backyard?
Well, whether you’re new to chicken farming or not…
This is the right article for you.
Read on to learn more:
Nutritional facts of brown eggs.
Vital tips for egg-laying chickens.
Difference between white and brown eggs.
15 ideal chicken breeds that lay brown eggs.
And so much more…
What types of chickens lay brown eggs? 15 breeds
#1: Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Plymouth Rock is a popular chicken breed because of its black and white barred feathers.
This breed is versatile. They can be confined in a coop or a free-range setting.
Barred Plymouth Rocks are also the friendly type.
They can be carried and held by their caretakers at any time and they get along with other hens, too.
Moreover, Barred Plymouth Rocks can lay up to 280 eggs per year.
They can produce large eggs, too.
However, first-time layers may produce medium-sized ones.
Note: Barred Plymouth Rocks can easily get overweight. So, pay attention to their proper diet.
#2: Barnevelder
Mainly found in the Netherlands, the Barnevelder chicken is known for its striking color.
As per production, the Barnevelder can produce up to 200 eggs per year.
And much more in winter seasons.
Interestingly, they produce eggs with the darkest shade of brown – close to that of chocolate.
Moreover, their overall good nature makes them great pets, too.
And they can settle easily in domesticated conditions.
#3: Black Australorp
Known for its all-black feathers, the Black Australorp is a native of Australia.
They’re great at surviving in different weather conditions due to their feather characteristics.
Black Australorps can weigh up to 8 lbs making them ideal for meat production, too.
Moreover, they can produce 1 egg a day.
Yup, that’s 365 medium or large-sized eggs per year.
Furthermore, their mother-like instincts are also worthy of being noted.
That’s because Black Australorps are great brooders.
Plus, they can also take good care of their chicks very well.
#4: Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are farm favorites because of their great endurance.
This breed isn’t only suitable for egg production, but they have great meat quality as well.
And they can weigh up to 6-7 lbs.
Moreover, Rhode Island Reds can produce up to 300 medium to large light brown eggs per year.
Plus, they can live up to 10 years if taken care of properly.
Interestingly, Rhode Island Reds are very friendly and smart.
#5: Buff Orpington
Not only are they friendly…
But Buff Orpingtons are also extremely smart chicken breeds.
They can withstand the cold season really well.
Plus, they’re great at producing eggs all year long.
They can produce up to 280 light-brown and medium-sized eggs annually.
Moreover, Buff Orpington hens are also great brooders, which makes them ideal for egg production.
And their fluffy leg feathers can accommodate a large number of chicks keeping them warm in cold weather.
#6: Rhode Island White
Rhode Island White breeds are often mistaken as Leghorns because of their resemblance.
Just like their red cousins, Rhode Island Whites can make excellent quality meat and eggs.
That said, they can produce up to 250 large to jumbo-sized eggs per year.
Unlike most chicken breeds, the Rhode Island White reaches the ideal weight for meat production faster.
That’s because they’re heavy eaters.
Moreover, they have great endurance in cold weather conditions, too.
#7: New Hampshire Red
Another reliable laying breed is the New Hampshire Red.
They’re a popular breed because of their durability in cold weather conditions.
Plus, they can also produce a large number of eggs, around 200 per year.
Aside from laying eggs, New Hampshire Reds are also great at foraging.
They can be suitable in a free-range setting or a coop.
Moreover, they’re great brooders and are attentive to their chicks.
Plus, they mature at 18 weeks and can weigh up to 6 lbs.
#8: White Plymouth Rock
Also known as White Rock, this chicken is an all-around breed.
They’re great egg producers and their meat is suitable for consumption, too.
This all-white beauty is perfect for backyards due to its calm and friendly nature.
Moreover, White Rocks can produce up to 300 large, brown eggs annually.
Meanwhile, White Plymouth Rocks aren’t climate-sensitive.
So, they can survive in other regions outside America, too.
#9: ISA Brown
ISA Browns are hybrids and are made for large-scale meat and egg production.
They’re easy to tame and can forage well, too.
Moreover, ISA Browns can produce up to 300 large, brown eggs per year.
Their massive egg-laying abilities can be associated with their high fertility rate.
However, their health can decline after 2 years of producing eggs.
Furthermore, they brood very well and take care of their chicks, too.
#10: Welsummer
Hailing from the Netherlands, Welsummers are known for their orange and copper-colored feathers.
Their yellow necklace-like pattern on the neck is another striking feature that you may notice.
Welsummer hens can weigh up to 6 lbs.
Plus, they can produce up to 250 large eggs per year.
And their eggshell is almost a terra cotta shade of brown.
Moreover, Welsummers are also an active chicken breed.
They’re very outgoing and like to forage.
So, they can be suitable for a free-range setting when raising them.
#11: Golden Comet
Golden Comets come with a few nicknames, such as:
Red Stars.
Red Sex Links.
This chicken breed is known for its incredible egg-laying abilities.
That said, Golden Comets can produce up to 330 medium-large eggs or more per year.
Moreover, Red Stars can grow faster if taken care of properly.
With the right kind of diet and adequate housing, Golden Comets can weigh up to 5 lbs in 18 weeks or less.
Furthermore, they’re great at foraging and can adapt well to the climate.
#12: Brahmas
Originally from India, Brahmas were brought to America in 1852.
They’re popular for their fluffy looks and feathered feet.
Apart from their stunning beauty, Brahmas are hardy breeds.
They can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Moreover, Brahmas can produce large, brown eggs up to 200 per year.
However, it may take more or less 7 months for Brahma hens to start laying eggs.
Interestingly, Brahmas can make great pets, too.
They’re friendly and calm around people.
#13: Bovans Brown
Developed in the 21st century, the Bovans Brown breed is a staple for large-scale egg production.
That said, they can produce up to 330 eggs in the first year.
However, this number can decline in the following years of production.
Moreover, they’re suitable for both free-range and facility-based farming.
Interestingly, Bovans Browns are territorial breeds.
They’ll fight predators and protect their space when invaded.
#14: Wyandottes
What’s fascinating about Wyandottes?
They’re named after an indigenous tribe called the Wyandot Native Americans.
Developed in New York, the Wyandottes are known for their striking feather pattern.
Meanwhile, Wyandottes have several varieties as well, such as:
Gold Lace.
Silver Lace.
Blue-Laced Red.
Blue-Laced Golds.
Moreover, Wyandottes can produce up to 220 large, brown eggs per year.
They’re also excellent brooders and even teach their chicks to forage for food.
#15: Buckeye
Developed in Ohio, the Buckeye breed is known for its brown, nutty feather.
Aside from that, Buckeyes are great at surviving extreme winters.
Moreover, they can produce up to 240 medium-sized eggs per year.
Interestingly, the Buckeye was developed by a woman in the US.
They’re also known as the only pea-combed breed in America.
Furthermore, Buckeyes can make great pets due to their friendly personality.
Vital tips for egg-laying chickens
The frequency and amount of eggs produced by chickens depend on the breed.
However, other vital aspects of poultry management affect egg production.
Here’s a list of tips you need to consider to get the most out of your chickens:
#1: Diet
As omnivores (plant and meat-eating animals), chickens are ideal animals to raise.
Either for household consumption or mass production.
Diet-wise, chickens can eat the following:
Fruits.
Grains.
Insects.
Vegetables.
Typically, chickens should have a well-balanced commercial feed packed with:
Protein.
Minerals.
Vitamins.
Interestingly, crushed oyster shells are also suitable for laying hens.
Moreover, feed consumption depends on the season.
Feed intake may increase during winter and decreases in summer.
Most importantly, never let your poultry house run out of fresh water.
This is the most vital part of their diet.
#2: Housing
Another vital aspect of poultry management is adequate and proper housing for your chickens.
Not only should this protect them from weather conditions…
But it should serve as a sturdy space against predators.
Meanwhile, laying hens should have nest boxes for their eggs.
You can put 4-5 hens in 1 nest box.
Moreover, be sure to place the nest boxes in an elevated platform or spot.
That’s because chickens prefer to settle in high places just like birds, according to the University of Minnesota.
In addition, the coop should have proper ventilation, especially in summer.
Or insulation in winter seasons.
Furthermore, always check the area for holes to prevent rodents and other pests from entering the coop.
#3: Daily care and sanitation
Laying hens should be let out each morning to allow them to roam.
When they’re out in the coop, this makes it also easier for you to clean the area.
Water change
Always change their water every day to ensure that they’re not contaminated.
Cleaning and sanitation
You can do a general cleaning of the chicken coop every week.
However, it’s best to get rid of their droppings (or poop) every day.
This helps prevent water and feed contamination that causes parasite infections and other diseases.
Egg collection
This is one of the most interesting parts of poultry raising – collecting eggs!
You can collect eggs twice a day, especially if you’re raising a huge number of laying hens.
Nutritional information of brown eggs
Brown eggs (50 g) contain the following nutritional value:
5 g fat.
6 g protein.
70 calories.
0 carbohydrates.
70 mg potassium.
185 mg cholesterol.
Moreover, brown eggs also contain Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Difference between a white and a brown egg
Eggs are a household staple.
But have you ever wondered what difference a brown egg has from the white one?
Well, according to USDA, brown eggs don’t contain more nutrients than white ones.
In fact, the shell color doesn’t give any impact or significance on the nutritional value of eggs.
Instead, the egg’s brown color is attributed to the breed of the chicken.
Brown eggs are produced by various breeds, such as Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock.
While Leghorns and White Rocks lay white ones.
Interestingly, Araucuna chickens from South America lay blue or green eggs!
However, you might ask:
“Are brown eggs more in demand in the market?”
According to a study, the marketability of brown and white eggs boils down to consumer preference.
Or how these eggs are packaged in general.
Interestingly, it takes stunning and attractive packaging for brown eggs to sell.
Not to mention, powerful words such as:
N-3.
Organic.
Cage-free.
Meanwhile, white eggs can be sold even in generic or plain cartons.